‘We’re in a great position’: Tiger Woods claims PGA Tour doesn’t need PIF cash

Tiger Woods has become the latest golfer to warn Saudi Arabia that the PGA Tour will no longer rely on investments from the Public Investment Fund. The gulf in top golf between those on the PGA Tour and those on the Saudi-backed LIV circuit appears to be no closer to recovery.

The PGA Tour recently announced it had signed a $3 billion (£2.39 billion) deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium led by Fenway Sports Group. As part of that, players like Woods will receive huge amounts of equity.

The PIF’s involvement in the new commercial entity, which was the plan surprisingly announced last June as part of a framework agreement, remains subject to regulatory approval amid close scrutiny in the United States. Until the contracts are signed, doubts will remain about whether the PGA Tour and PIF can ever work together.

Jordan Spieth drew attention by saying he believed a deal with the PIF “is not necessary” due to the extent of the SSG’s involvement. Now Woods, who like Spieth sits on the PGA Tour’s policy council, has followed suit. “Ultimately we would like PIF to be part of our tour and part of our product,” said the 15-time major winner. “Financially we don’t need that at the moment. The amounts they came up with and what we initially agreed on in the framework agreement are all the same figures. Anything beyond that will obviously be above and beyond. We are in a great position right now.”

When asked specifically about the delay in formalizing any PIF involvement, Woods said: “The PIF deal is obviously still ongoing. We have strengthened our agreement with SSG. PIF is ongoing and we are still in negotiations.”

This apparent coldness from Woods and Spieth will have been noticed within Saudi golf circles. LIV recently entered its third season, boosted by the signing of Masters champion Jon Rahm from the PGA Tour. Woods, a long-time LIV skeptic, admitted that he has not spoken to anyone from the PIF, including its governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

“The consortium that they have at SSG, the partners that have come together to be part of the group, is, to be honest, quite remarkable in the sports industry,” Woods added. “They are incredible leaders and at a time when we need great leaders in the future, I think this brings that to light. The great brain, the ideas that can make this tour even better… we are looking forward to that.”

Woods’ competitive preparations for the Masters begin Thursday with an appearance at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles.